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Changing diapers, organizing play dates, managing carpools, overseeing homework, attending PTA meetings, supporting sports teams, late nights, celebrating homecoming, cooking meals, coaching teams, grocery shopping, scheduling medical appointments, navigating college applications—all these experiences mark the journey of parenthood from the moment your children are born until they leave home.
Life After Kids: Local Parents Share Their Experiences
“I genuinely felt a sense of joy! This was largely because my youngest son was fully prepared to go to college. His happiness has brought us joy as we embrace this new phase in his life. Even though he’s quite far from Dallas (studying at the University of Alabama), we make it a point to attend game days and other events to actively support his new journey. I no longer miss the daily routines of laundry, meal preparation, and school runs. Instead, I relish my free time by exploring more with my husband, enjoying our lake house, practicing yoga, volunteering, and finally organizing spaces that have long needed it!” — Debbie Rose with her son Brandon (McKinney)
“I also felt a wave of joy. I cherish the time spent with my husband, our dogs, and our foster dogs, and I’ve managed to keep in touch with my friends from high school. As our kids transition from high school to college, a group of moms at JPII decided to strengthen our bond and have fun by launching ‘Operation College Care Packages’. One mom hosts a ‘packing lunch’, where each mother brings an item for each student, choosing from categories such as sweets, savory snacks, holiday goodies, school supplies, or themed utensils. Sometimes, up to 18 moms join in; each writes a card for every student. The packing session is followed by lunch and storytelling about our kids’ first-time experiences away from home. It’s a wonderful time for connection, and the kids love the goodies!” — Jyll Spears with her son Ryan (Plano)
“When my youngest child graduated high school in 2012, I experienced a flood of emotions—sadness at seeing my children grow up, relief and pride that they were all accepted into colleges of their choice, and anxiety about what the future held for my husband and me. For 24 years, my life revolved around my children’s activities and volunteering at their schools. Once my youngest was settled into her first year of college, I found myself uncertain about how to fill my newfound free time. Given that my husband has Parkinson’s Disease, we attended information sessions and fundraising events for the Parkinson Voice Project, a nonprofit focused on helping people with Parkinson’s and related neurological disorders. After learning about this organization and its transformative services, I started volunteering at their clinic in Richardson, feeling I had discovered a new purpose in life. I began my volunteer work in the spring of 2013, and by summer, I was offered a part-time paid position as a Patient Liaison. The CEO quickly recognized my event planning and coordinating skills developed through my children’s school activities, promoting me to Community Relations Manager in 2013. I love what I do and still find time to volunteer at the high school as an alumni mom, travel with my husband and children, and take courses to enhance my contributions to the Parkinson Voice Project.” — Ceil Pajda, Richardson
“At first, I felt quite sad when my twin sons left for different colleges. I savored every moment of our family trip to Canada the summer before their departure. However, I soon began to look forward to reconnecting with my husband without the constant concern of children’s schedules. We now enjoy a more relaxed routine, capable of making plans at a moment’s notice. Additionally, we have downsized and moved into a home with plenty of renovation projects to keep me occupied.” — Brenda Richard, seen climbing a glacier in Canada (Prosper)
“I certainly felt a profound sense of loss when both of my children headed off to college. When my youngest left, I tried various activities. I ventured back into the workforce, but it didn’t bring me joy. I discovered new hobbies like making jewelry and painting furniture, and I continued playing Mahjongg with friends. I’m learning to prioritize myself and appreciate life’s small joys!” — Teresa Niermeyer (Plano)
Have your children flown the nest? Share your experiences, insights, and adventures with us! Email: Tricia@GoodLifeFamilyMAG.com
